Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Christmas in .....September?
Christmas indeed! When Toddler and Daddy pulled into the drive after going to see the Street Rods, there was a big black pickup with this in the bed.
Papa Frank was a little shocked a how rarely NorthernDaddy mows his lawn. (Push-mowing all of that grass isn't very high on the priorities list. We want the yard looking good, but other chores easily come first.) So, when Papa Frank's recently deceased neighbor's tractor went up for sale, he purchased it and designated it NorthernDaddy's Christmas present. (No, Papa Frank did not kill his neighbor to get a tractor - we think it was cancer caused by owning a John Deere! For Daddy's feelings on Deeres, go here: http://knowjackson.blogspot.com/2010/08/free-but-oh-such-cost.html.)
Papa Frank was a little shocked a how rarely NorthernDaddy mows his lawn. (Push-mowing all of that grass isn't very high on the priorities list. We want the yard looking good, but other chores easily come first.) So, when Papa Frank's recently deceased neighbor's tractor went up for sale, he purchased it and designated it NorthernDaddy's Christmas present. (No, Papa Frank did not kill his neighbor to get a tractor - we think it was cancer caused by owning a John Deere! For Daddy's feelings on Deeres, go here: http://knowjackson.blogspot.com/2010/08/free-but-oh-such-cost.html.) --
Please excuse the grass caked onto the tires and the lack of cosmetic detailing before this picture was taken - NorthernDaddy was (and is) so happy to have a running lawn tractor that he went right out and mowed the yard. Right after a day's rain. Seriously; Toddler went down for his nap and Daddy pulled the mower deck off, sharpened the blades, checked the oil and tires, and was mowing inside of fifteen minutes!
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The new tractor replaces two old riding mowers: both purchased very used and each killed inside of one season. The first died after being used to brush hog the back of our lot. The second expired after flatting all four tires, cutting a belt, mis-aligning its pulleys, and blowing the muffler clear of the engine block -- all a result of brush hogging the side of our lot.
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The new tractor is not going to be used for brush hogging. The new tractor is not going to be used for brush hogging. The new tractor is NOT going to be used for brush hogging....
--
The two old tractors are going to the scrap-metal yard to see if Toddler can get any money for them.
That will clear this area (formerly known as the tractor shed) up for a new use. There will be more information forthcoming, but for now, the Northerns would like to announce their newest venture into backyard agriculture: DUCKS! --
The tractor shed will be refit as a home for some ducks. Additional flooring, some fencing, and a pond of some kind should make for a great duck house. NorthernDaddy is still working out the details - but that makes a good winter project. For now, the Northerns make plans and dream of cute, entertaining ducks (and duck eggs, and roast duck).
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Northeast Street Rod Nationals, 2011
NorthernToddler and Daddy rolled out on their annual pilgrimage to the Street Rod show. Every year, they share some bonding time by admiring the colorful and curvy miracles of engineering and style.
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This year, it was raining. More precisely, it started raining right after NorthernDaddy bought his ticket at the gate. No big deal - the boys can tough out some wet clothes to see the cars!
Toddler would have y'all note the car-themed shirt that he chose to wear; he wanted to fit in to the crowd.
Being three can get you places that not even a grown man can talk his way into...
On the drive to the Expo, Toddler asked about being allowed to get inside some of the cars. NorthernDaddy explained that the extreme cost of most of the vehicles would make it so Toddler would not be allowed to go inside any cars, and that Toddler should take great care to not even touch the cars. Imagine the surprise (of both Toddler and Daddy) when the owner of this car offered to let Toddler sit inside and "drive"! Totally cool! This was the highlight of the show for Toddler, and the owner deserved his giant THANK YOU!
--
French Fries are consumed every year. It's tradition. It's important.
It was hard to take any artistic (or clear) photos with the rain and fog, but here are a few:
A perfect family hauler...
It can be forever debated whether Ford or Chevy is better, but Toddler and Daddy would both take either one. (If the 'Stang was in the blue that the Camaro is, that would sway Daddy's opinion!)
Toddler would have y'all note the car-themed shirt that he chose to wear; he wanted to fit in to the crowd.
Being three can get you places that not even a grown man can talk his way into...
On the drive to the Expo, Toddler asked about being allowed to get inside some of the cars. NorthernDaddy explained that the extreme cost of most of the vehicles would make it so Toddler would not be allowed to go inside any cars, and that Toddler should take great care to not even touch the cars. Imagine the surprise (of both Toddler and Daddy) when the owner of this car offered to let Toddler sit inside and "drive"! Totally cool! This was the highlight of the show for Toddler, and the owner deserved his giant THANK YOU!--
French Fries are consumed every year. It's tradition. It's important.
It was hard to take any artistic (or clear) photos with the rain and fog, but here are a few:
A perfect family hauler...
It can be forever debated whether Ford or Chevy is better, but Toddler and Daddy would both take either one. (If the 'Stang was in the blue that the Camaro is, that would sway Daddy's opinion!)
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